Beach Daze No More

Time Fragments #23 :Beach Daze

30.5"W x 40.5 " H

The beach and accompanying water whether ocean, lake or pond, are always a part of my summers. And the last two years we have added trips to Florida in the depths of winter doldrums here in cloudy Michigan. The sunshine, waves, and long walks on the beach warms my soul and let me stretch to "make it" to the summer.

Whenever we vacation , I love taking photos of the water.

And the accompanying marine life enjoying the water.

Gentle waves and blue skies.

However, this year I was mindfully aware of the fact, I had taken for granted the ability to walk and breathe in this area off the gulf side of Florida. It has been ravaged by red tide. Red Tide is caused by an organism called Karenia Brevis. It is an algae bloom which is toxic to marine life and humans . Fish die and people can't breathe. This area which is a great tourist destination has been hard hit with the lack of visitors to the ocean and beaches. I am so sad for this region and it's devastating effects on the water and marine life.

Beach daze detail

There are no beach days when the red tide is present. And I will never take for granted again the gift of water in the form of a pond, lake or ocean. We need to respect these gifts and take better care of them.